Bush acts on energy efficiency and renewable energy

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) office of the US Department of Energy is reporting today that President Bush signed Executive Order 13423 calling for increased energy efficiency in Federal Government operations and increased usage of energy from renewable sources.

Following are summaries of the directives in the order:

• Agencies must reduce their energy intensity 3% per year or by 30% by 2015 relative to their 2003 baseline.
• That at least half of mandated renewable energy use come from newer facilities. Agencies are also encouraged to work to have renewable energy sources constructed on agency property.
• Agencies must reduce their water usage intensity by 2% annually or by 16% by 2015 relative to their 2003 baseline.
• Requires increased sustainability in goods purchased and used by agencies. This includes requiring paper have at least 20% recycled content, use of bio-based products, and energy efficiency products.
• Agencies to improve waste management including increasing recycling, reducing use and disposal of toxic materials, and improved waste handling.
• Ensure that new buildings comply with the Guiding Principles for Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. 15% of all Federal buildings are to meet these guidelines by 2015.
• The fleets reduce petroleum product usage by 2% annually and increase portion of fuel used that is non-petroleum-based (yes, it says non-petroleum instead of renewable) by 10% per year.
• Increased use of Energy Star products.

Many of the provisions listed above are mandated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.